Stickers: [iOS] Discussion: App Store Rules

[gbougakov]

Added by contributors of the repo

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT iOS APPS

Apple will reject or remove your sticker app from the App Store if it uses the UI sample that WhatsApp provides. When creating an iOS sticker app, please make sure to develop a unique user interface with your own styling to comply with Apple's App Store guidelines. Do not use our sample app's UI as is, please significantly modify the UI before submitting. You should also consider adding additional functionality to your app (sharing stickers to other apps, to iMessage, etc) or any other features that you deem suitable. This will assist you in passing Apple's App Store review.

https://github.com/WhatsApp/stickers/tree/master/iOS#important-notice-about-ios-apps

---

Please read before replying

Right now there is no proper strategy to avoid rejection. Period. I am not a WhatsApp employee nor am I affiliated with WhatsApp in any way

If your app was rejected, please upvote this issue. Do not reply

UPDATE: WhatsApp team is discussing the situation with Apple. Do not appeal your rejection too many times or they might close your developer account.
UPDATE 2: My app was approved

---

Today, I received a message from Apple App Review Team that said that my app was rejected because it "repeated the functionality of other apps and just changed content" and was spam.

Had anyone experienced the same? What can I do to work around this?

[gbougakov]

Update: sent an appeal explaining that this app is no different from iMessage sticker apps, but just for WhatsApp.

[MarsVard]

@gbougakov that's not gonna work. I've been trying to get my app approved for 2 weeks now, have added extra features like adding allowing user to add stickers to their photos but still no luck. It's almost as if Apple is boycotting this.

[lwangeli]

Hi there, I redesign it and right now Im uploading it to AppStore Review. I was apealling the review for 2 weeks and I bellieve that they just want we change the design of the app, because if you analize it, they will have tons of apps identically just with content diferent, as they say in 4.3 guidelines.. By the way, dont you mention about iMessage, because its Apple template, and they will threat you on close dev account (they did it to me).
Now I undesrtand what they mean with 4.3 guidelines. Lets see what they will tell me about my 7th intent review.

[al3bsi]

same problem for same reason, what should we do?

[gbougakov]

Well, the reason is pretty clear: Apple (and maybe Google, see #153) doesn't want competitors (ab)using their infrastructure. Now, either WhatsApp makes their own sticker distribution platform like @TelegramMessenger did or WhatsApp stickers are dead

[al3bsi]

This reason is unconvincing, and unfair

[gbougakov]

Agreed about the unfair part. But imagine this: you have a product, in this case iMessage, and your main competitor (WhatsApp) starts using your infrastructure for free to power their app, of course you're gonna do something about it! (Not defending Apple, but I see why they did that)

[al3bsi]

Is the project presented by the WhatsApp actually matches the requirements of Apple?

[gbougakov]

The thing is that making apps from templates is actually against Apple's rules

[gbougakov]

Excerpt from App Store Review Guidelines that caused my app to fail the review:

4.3 Spam
Don’t create multiple Bundle IDs of the same app. If your app has different versions for specific locations, sports teams, universities, etc., consider submitting a single app and provide the variations using in-app purchase. Also avoid piling on to a category that is already saturated; the App Store has enough fart, burp, flashlight, and Kama Sutra apps already. Spamming the store may lead to your removal from the Developer Program.

[al3bsi]

Excerpt from App Store Review Guidelines that caused my app to fail the review:

4.3 Spam
Don’t create multiple Bundle IDs of the same app. If your app has different versions for specific locations, sports teams, universities, etc., consider submitting a single app and provide the variations using in-app purchase. Also avoid piling on to a category that is already saturated; the App Store has enough fart, burp, flashlight, and Kama Sutra apps already. Spamming the store may lead to your removal from the Developer Program.

Perhaps the reason is (create multiple Bundle IDs of the same app)

[gbougakov]

I actually had an iMessage sticker pack with the same stickers before, but I pulled it down before submitting the new app for review. Also, my new app contained a sticker pack extension, so it would be a 2-in-1 (iMessage and WhatsApp sticker pack)

[al3bsi]

whatsapp sticker have 8 packages, how do I make 7 packs available for in-app purchase?

[gbougakov]

Not sure about that. Do you have multiple sticker packs in the App Store?

[al3bsi]

No , not yet

[gbougakov]

I think you can submit them all in one app, but that won't work for me because I want to bundle iMessage stickers with them.

[al3bsi]

I actually had an iMessage sticker pack with the same stickers before, but I pulled it down before submitting the new app for review. Also, my new app contained a sticker pack extension, so it would be a 2-in-1 (iMessage and WhatsApp sticker pack)

How did you do that? , Can you send the modified code?

[gbougakov]

Incase you want to add functionality to your app by adding iMessage stickers

Instructions to do just that:

1. Open the Xcode project
2. File > New > Target...
3. Select Sticker Pack Extension
   
4. Fill in the name and click Finish
5. Open Stickers.xcassets
   
6. Drag in the sticker PNGs
7. Run app on your test device
8. Boom! iMessage stickers

[al3bsi]

i mean , how i can put whatsapp stickers with imessage stickers together ?

[gbougakov]

I just explained. Just open your WhatsApp stickers Xcode project and follow the instructions

[al3bsi]

I just explained. Just open your WhatsApp stickers Xcode project and follow the instructions

wow, I did it, thank you for this info.
it seems that the reason Apple refused is not to include imessage stickers with WhatsApp stickers, did you do it and rejected it?

[gbougakov]

Yes, they did, but I'm not sure that's the reason

[al3bsi]

Apple rejected it ?

[gbougakov]

[al3bsi]

Does it mean that there is no point in adding imessage to the project?

[gbougakov]

I don't think that's the reason they rejected my app. It certainly won't help you if your app was already rejected.

[al3bsi]

Yes, I have been rejected my application, filed a petition and explained to them that it does not contain spam and there are a lot of applications exist on Apple Store.

[coderflower]

somebody fix this ?

[Tarekajaj]

Same Issue here? Anyone was able to get their app approved?

[al3bsi]

It seems that Apple has started to delete stickers apps for whatsapp from store, something strange that he do.

[al3bsi]

Apple seems to want these apps to be paid not free.

[gbougakov]

Why though?

[gbougakov]

Yes, lots, and I mean lots of WhatsApp sticker apps were deleted from the App Store.

[al3bsi]

Perhaps apple does not want to have similar and duplicate apps in the App Store.

[sanestani]

So... all of you still can´t publish the app? im trying to do it, waiting for they to aprove the app, and now Im afraid that this could happend to me

[gbougakov]

@sanestani Haha, good luck!

[Zandor300]

The WhatsApp team is trying to get this resolved with Apple.

For now, if you really want your app to stay in the App Store, bundling your WhatsApp stickers app inside, for example, a game which the stickers are for, will definitely make it stay in the store and pass review as the game itself might provide function enough.

If you don't have this capacity, you can try to pass review with the sample app but you will most likely not. Please don't try to appeal the review too many times as they might threaten to close your developer account. Thats just my advice.

I'm personally also waiting to submit my stickers app because of this but partly also because the artist isn't done with the stickers yet.

[MarsVard]

@Zandor300 in the talks you're having with Apple, is there any chance our removed apps will be reinstated? Or should we note hope for that?

[Zandor300]

@MarsVard I said the WhatsApp team is trying to resolve this with Apple, but I'm not a part of the WhatsApp team. I'm just helping them moderate the issues here.

@simonzhexu and @amrit-1901 are working on it and might be able to respond to your question.

[al3bsi]

The second time my app is rejected, what is happening, Apple?

[al3bsi]

any news about this the issue ?

[lwangeli]

HI, I already had 3 apps rejected on same aspect 4.3 guidelines about 15 times. Already appealed and asked for more explicity reasons etc. My last appeal reasons are: "... the app really didnt do anything but its just used to show and let the User select a Sticker pack to be used at WhatsApp app."
They rejected the appeal and send me some WWD17 videos about "Human Interface" etc. This is the last "clarification" on the rejection that I asked for: "Although we recognize that the content provided by your app may be customized, the specific issue is that your app provides the same features and functionality as other apps. This is considered a form of spam and is not appropriate for the App Store.
To resolve this issue, it would be appropriate to review app concept and incorporate different content and features that are in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines."

In conclusion, Im not happy with AppStore review, but I understand that this things made Apple iOS much different of Google's Android, because Apple really care about quality, design, content, etc. I already sent stickers pack to play store and its published.
Apple want that we send for review a fully changed design etc. They dont want 2 or 30 thousand apps "equals" just changed in content. We know and we all use the template of iMessage Stickers and it have no problem on review, which for your knowledge, do not mention in your appeals because they take them very badly.

[MarsVard]

@iwangeli I don't want to go in detail, but my app wasn't a copy of this repo, it looked different + had different functionality

[lwangeli]

@MarsVard my app isnt a copy too, but even if you change every thing it will continue doing exactly same thing for all us.

[gbougakov]

I personally think that Apple doesn’t want their competitors to use their infrastructure.

[al3bsi]

I have an idea, why does not the programmer modify the project to add photos from the studio?
Can we help?
Apple may stop rejecting it .

[luiscraik]

I have added the extension to iMessage (explained above) and I haven't submitted my little app just yet because it may get rejected, however, the iMessage sticker apps on iOS use the same model and we haven't found a problem. Since it's WhatsApp I am not sure if Apple will allow this healthy competition using their same model they already use :/

[kzka90]

I've submitted an app a few days ago to the App Store and instantly got my binary rejected because: SPAM

I decided to make the app a mini-game so it's not just a Sticker app, but a mini-game to play and unlock the stickers, but I've got the same reason "Spam". I MADE AN ENTIRE GAME FOR IT AND STILL SAY THERE ARE SIMILAR APPS THAT DO THE SAME AS MINE. I'm starting to believe Apple doesn't want WhatsApp stickers on their platforms. I submitted an appeal, but I doubt it will get accepted.

Since the protocol for sending Stickers is via whatsapp:// is it possible to make a webapp version of the framework so we could send Stickers through a website instead of a native app? I believe it's possible, anyone has a suggestion to achieve this?

My UI is not even that "General", I made a complex UI for it.

[cartoonsmart]

@kzka90 Good try at least!

Anyone have a link to an approved WhatsApp sticker app?

[kzka90]

I'm trying to do a JavaScript code in order to send Sticker Packs from the browser, but I haven't made it work. Anyone want to help? This is what I'm doing:

<script>
document.addEventListener("copy", function(e) {
  e.clipboardData.setData("net.whatsapp.third-party.sticker-pack", JSON); //JSON is the string with all the sticker info exactly as the iPhone app saves it in the clipboard, images are in compressed
  e.preventDefault();
});

function sendToWhatsApp() {
  var sel = document.getSelection();
  var range = document.createRange();
  range.selectNodeContents(document.body);
  sel.removeAllRanges();
  sel.addRange(range);
  document.execCommand("copy");
  window.getSelection().removeAllRanges();

  location.href = "whatsapp://stickerPack";
}
</script>
<button onclick='sendToWhatsApp()'>Send</button>

But I keep getting:

There's a problem with this sticker pack and it can't be added to WhatsApp.

Whenever it launches WhatsApp. Has anyone here tried something similar?

[ptkdev]

@kzka90 your idea is very good

[randeezys]

Hi folks,
We have updated the project's main README, as well as the iOS README with new information. Apple will reject or remove your sticker app from the App Store if it uses the UI template that WhatsApp provides in the sample app.

When creating an iOS sticker app, please make sure to develop a unique user interface with your own styling to comply with Apple's App Store guidelines. Do not use our sample app's UI as is, please significantly modify the UI before submitting.

There is a new section in the iOS readme that addresses this, and we encourage you to reference it, modify your apps accordingly, and resubmit.

Thank you,
Randall on behalf of WhatsApp

[kzka90]

Hi folks,
We have updated the project's main README, as well as the iOS README with new information. Apple will reject or remove your sticker app from the App Store if it uses the UI template that WhatsApp provides in the sample app.

When creating an iOS sticker app, please make sure to develop a unique user interface with your own styling to comply with Apple's App Store guidelines. Do not use our sample app's UI as is, please significantly modify the UI before submitting.

There is a new section in the iOS readme that addresses this, and we encourage you to reference it, modify your apps accordingly, and resubmit.

Thank you,
Randall on behalf of WhatsApp

Not really. I did an entire mini-game with the following UI and still got rejected:

Is there a way to add Stickers through the browser? Like my previous post.

[sf-lee]

I'm trying to do a JavaScript code in order to send Sticker Packs from the browser, but I haven't made it work. Anyone want to help? This is what I'm doing:

<script>
document.addEventListener("copy", function(e) {
  e.clipboardData.setData("net.whatsapp.third-party.sticker-pack", JSON); //JSON is the string with all the sticker info exactly as the iPhone app saves it in the clipboard, images are in compressed
  e.preventDefault();
});

function sendToWhatsApp() {
  var sel = document.getSelection();
  var range = document.createRange();
  range.selectNodeContents(document.body);
  sel.removeAllRanges();
  sel.addRange(range);
  document.execCommand("copy");
  window.getSelection().removeAllRanges();

  location.href = "whatsapp://stickerPack";
}
</script>
<button onclick='sendToWhatsApp()'>Send</button>

But I keep getting:

There's a problem with this sticker pack and it can't be added to WhatsApp.

Whenever it launches WhatsApp. Has anyone here tried something similar?

WhatsApp on iOS does not read the JSON in plaintext. It reads the JSON in form of a data object after serialization. No "user land" app can create such "low-level" object so that's why you will need an app to wrap it.

[ranrinc]

@kzka90 yeah yours look totally different.. if that get rejected then everyone else will never go pass through... WA team any solutions?

[sf-lee]

Hi folks,
We have updated the project's main README, as well as the iOS README with new information. Apple will reject or remove your sticker app from the App Store if it uses the UI template that WhatsApp provides in the sample app.

When creating an iOS sticker app, please make sure to develop a unique user interface with your own styling to comply with Apple's App Store guidelines. Do not use our sample app's UI as is, please significantly modify the UI before submitting.

There is a new section in the iOS readme that addresses this, and we encourage you to reference it, modify your apps accordingly, and resubmit.

Thank you,
Randall on behalf of WhatsApp

What about changing how WhatsApp imports the sticker packs? Asking people to develop an app for importing stickers is just ridiculous.

To make it more available to artists/illutrators, not just geeks/developers, WhatsApp can read plaintext JSON rather than a serialized one. Apply checking mechanisms to make sure the JSON string does not overflow. The JSON strings can be gernerated via webapps, which there is already a bunch on the WWW.

[chbaluch]

I submited my app to app store still in review process. I hope it approve

[ranrinc]

@sf-lee agree... why do we have to developed something for stickers?

[luiscraik]

Please share your approved apps, I still think Apple will block most of Sticker apps :/

[sanestani]

Any news? Does anyone discover the fire allready? haha, I want to know how, please. (My app was rejected 2 days ago)

[chbaluch]

any solutions? my app also rejected

[gbougakov]

@sanestani @chbaluch please see the top of the issue.

[sanestani]

Yes, @gbougakov I allready read it all, just asking if there is any news or if somebody finally can upload one app of stickers to apple store, and how we should do

[gbougakov]

UPDATE: My stickerpack was approved after an appeal!!

[MarsVard]

@gbougakov what did you write in your appeal? what was the case?

[al3bsi]

UPDATE: My stickerpack was approved after an appeal!!

How did you do that?
What message did you send them?

[gbougakov]

I explained, that it was no different from iMessage sticker apps

[MarsVard]

do you have a link to your app?

[gbougakov]

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wordmojis/id1441432317?mt=8

It is processing now

[MarsVard]

How many times did you appeal this before you got through?

[gbougakov]

Once

[gbougakov]

Maybe my arguments were convincing 🙃

[al3bsi]

Maybe my arguments were convincing 🙃

Please can you explain what you told them exactly?
Have you added any iMassege stickers ?

[gbougakov]

Yes, I did. I’ll explain everything later cuz I’m in class right now :)

[al3bsi]

Yes, I did. I’ll explain everything later cuz I’m in class right now :)

I Waiting for you to explain to me what I said to them? :)

[gbougakov]

Sorry, wrong link https://itunes.apple.com/ru/app/wordmojis/id1442071035?l=en&mt=8

[luiscraik]

@gbougakov Congrats!
I guess one key thing is adding an iMessage pack. Then I am thinking if they will only allow a few more apps since I guess you were one of the few people who submitted your app when everything was still new.
Thanks for letting us know!

Has anyone else got an approval?

[gbougakov]

Here you go:

[al3bsi]

What ? Is this just what convinced them?

[gbougakov]

What ? Is this just what convinced them?

Well, they approved it, so yeah :)

[foma24]

@gbougakov Could you provide reject message too ?

[gbougakov]

@gbougakov Could you provide reject message too ?

Please see the top of the issue :)

[mo7amedr]

@gbougakov UPDATE 2: My app was approved

HOW ??

[MarsVard]

I think you just got lucky @gbougakov my app was approved as well at first for about 3 weeks, had over 600k downloads, then got removed ...

Wish you luck!

[gbougakov]

@marsvard Mine was rejected but then approved. I really hope that they won’t delete it.

@mo7amedr please read the whole thread

[sanestani]

@gbougakov how do you modify the template or the UI? Only adding send to imessage? Or something else? And is there posible to see a the lines of code somewere, for adding to imessage? A guide or something, I dont know. Im not a developer, only designer, I wasnt able to create others stickers packs in the same app for iOs. But doesnt had any problem developing it in Android.
Sorry for my bad English, im from Argentina. Thanks

[gbougakov]

Guide: https://github.com/WhatsApp/stickers/issues/230#issuecomment-439058052

[gbougakov]

I did not modify the UI at all

[sanestani]

Ok the guide, but is this explaining how to add for both? (Whatsapp and imessage?)

[gbougakov]

Yes it is. You just do the steps inside your WhatsApp xcode project

[rishabhdugar]

i just submitted with same UI, had to because i paid 99$ 2 days back thinking all i needed to do was create stickers, can any ios developer help to change UI for this (Istickers + tinder swipe view)? in return i can do equivalent type of work for you in native android

[sanestani]

Now I can send this to iMessage, but I cant send it to whatsapp, and this is the error I get

[gbougakov]

Now I can send this to iMessage, but I cant send it to whatsapp, and this is the error I get

Can you upload it to a GitHub repository or take a full screenshot of the window?

[sanestani]

[gbougakov]

Can you upload the log in the bottom right to gist.github.com and send a link here?

[gbougakov]

Yes, but fully. It looks like it's not full

[gbougakov]

Guys, can anyone help?
@sanestani I'd suggest opening a new issue

[sanestani]

ok

[sanestani]

https://github.com/WhatsApp/stickers/issues/292

[luiscraik]

@gbougakov how did you avoid to install the Whatsapp Sticker App on iPads? I got the iMessage and WhatsApp together, I just tried on iPad (to see the iMessage stickers work) and the little Whatsapp app was installed on it.

[ptkdev]

@gbougakov Lucky? I write same text in all release to store...

[gbougakov]

@luiscraik

[luiscraik]

@luiscraik

Mm I already have it like that :/ May be the simulator installing it on iPad anyway?

[gbougakov]

@ptkdev you might also want to add a line in the description to say that you are not affiliated with anyone

[gbougakov]

@luiscraik

Mm I already have it like that :/ May be the simulator installing it on iPad anyway?

You can't prevent it from installing. Just forget about it :)

[luiscraik]

@luiscraik

Mm I already have it like that :/ May be the simulator installing it on iPad anyway?

You can't prevent it from installing. Just forget about it :)

Got it. Thank you! :)

[sanestani]

@gbougakov first of all, congrats. I just installed your app. I Want to do the same thing, but I keep geting the same error when im adding the iMessage target. Is there any way to chat with you only a few minutes?

[gbougakov]

@sanestani do you have a Discord/Telegram/iMessage account?

[sanestani]

yes, telegram @sanestani

[MarsVard]

Anybody here interested in joining some telegram channel together to keep up with upcoming events around this?

[gbougakov]

I think it's better to discuss here :)

[mo7amedr]

@MarsVard add me to telegram
@mo7amedr

[luiscraik]

Did you use the same bundle identifier name for main app (WhatsApp) and extension (iMessage) @gbougakov?

[luiscraik]

I forgot to mention that I get an error

App application fail: This application or a bundle it contains has the same bundle indentifier as this application or another bundle that it contains. Bundle identifiers must be unique.

I got everything together but for some reason when I try to test it, I can only install the Whatsapp app. Somehow it stop working, I got everything working and it was ready to upload to iTunes connect. I have changed the identifiers and also used the same, but nothing works :(

[chbaluch]

I added iMessage pack to whatsapp project but it is changing build identifier and showing error. can someone please help or share code in github

[chbaluch]

Now I can send this to iMessage, but I cant send it to whatsapp, and this is the error I get

Can you upload it to a GitHub repository or take a full screenshot of the window?

Same error coming mine is their any solve?

[gbougakov]

Now I can send this to iMessage, but I cant send it to whatsapp, and this is the error I get

Can you upload it to a GitHub repository or take a full screenshot of the window?
Same error coming mine is their any solve?

Restart your Simulator

[chbaluch]

I resubmited my app with imessage stickers i hope this time will approve

[al3bsi]

Can any developer help to add a specific code to adding images from the camera roll?

[foma24]

I have 100+ iMessage stickers on my account. After reject "4.3 Design spam" for first WhatsApp stickers apple sent me message that all my other stickers marked as spam too, and I should combine all stickers in one container app.

Yesterday, I sent to review my app which has nothing to do with stickers at all. This is ridiculus, but today I got reject 4.3 Design spam for this app too, with message that I should combine all stickers in one container app.

[cartoonsmart]

@foma24 App Review has done that to many of us. You can't fight it. They are going to make you consolidate or else. It's a bummer, but it is what it is.

[foma24]

For non stickers app too ?

[cartoonsmart]

Consolidate your stickers, and you should be okay with your other apps. But you might want to get some clarification to be sure. I'd respond with "if I do this, will this other app get approved"

[luiscraik]

Consolidate your stickers, and you should be okay with your other apps. But you might want to get some clarification to be sure. I'd respond with "if I do this, will this other app get approved"

My app is still waiting for review (I submitted it on the 22nd, late because holiday, I guess?) and I only have one sticker app live on the App Store. I guess I'll remove it in order to get an approval from this new one.

[cartoonsmart]

I wouldn't remove it yet. I said this in another thread here, but I think there's a few things going on with these rejections.

1) The Review Team has a mandate from higher up to trim the fat in the store. This has been going on for a while now. Search the dev forums for "4.3" and you'll find many cases unrelated to just stickers.

2) 2016 was the year of the sticker in the store. A hundred thousand sticker packs later, Apple has rethought how many packs the Messages Store really needs. So they've insisted on container apps.

3) I also think there's a quality factor at play now too. Are your stickers animated? Do you have more than a baker's dozen? Was your company founded by Walt Disney? Do they add something unique? One of the core tenants of the Review Guidelines is this... "If your app is not particularly useful, unique, or “app-like,” it doesn’t belong on the App Store."

So I can only imagine what the Review staff is thinking seeing another floodgate open of sticker packs for WhatsApp.

[DanielZanchi]

My app got rejected for the same reason (4.3), the app I created lets the user create stickers. Apple can’t say it’s a spam app, no app on the store is similar 😟

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 mine just got rejected too, but I sent an appeal. I’ve done my job searching and there is no similar app on the App Store. I hope to get an approval, this is nuts.

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik me too. I added you on Twitter, keep me updated

[luiscraik]

Sure, I’ll let you know 👍🏼

[cartoonsmart]

One of my apps let people create a Simpsons style avatar of themselves and add text to create their own sticker. Trillions of possible variations, with art, skin tones, etc. Definitely unique.... anyone want to guess where it is now? “Removed from Sale”.... EDIT - to be fair, I can incorporate it into my container app, but the amount of work involved to do so just isn’t worth my time (the app was cool but didn’t make much $). And that’s how the App Store trims down. Apple isn’t saying I can’t. They are just saying I have to spend time doing it another way. It’s fair

[sanestani]

[DanielZanchi]

They don't have respect for developers, this is clear. As we can't do a lot, whatsapp needs to help us out. The stickers can't grow if they use this line rejecting apps that are "unique".

[cartoonsmart]

WhatsApp can’t side step the App Store though. If you are suggesting they sell on devs behalf through their site, that’s going to violate some App Store policy.

[DanielZanchi]

What do you mean?

[cartoonsmart]

You mentioned WhatsApp helping devs out. Just saying, what can they really do? Not much.

[luiscraik]

My app has been approved for TestFlight beta testing (external).

While on resolution center is still rejected.

Fingers crossed.

[luiscraik]

Got an update from Apple:

“Your app is in review but is requiring additional time. We apologize for the delay.
We will provide further status updates as soon as we can.”

It’s been a roller coaster.

[tetyanab]

Does anyone have an example of an approved "container app" for iMessage stickers? My WhatsApp sticker app got rejected with a reference to the existing iMessage sticker apps being spam (4.3 guideline). So I first need to consolidate the existing iMessage sticker apps, but not sure how this can be done (if there is an API which works differently from the sticker extension implementation). Thanks

[cartoonsmart]

You can update from a simple sticker pack to message extension app. What you can’t do is go from either of those to a full iOS app (meaning one that would put an app on the home screen).

[cartoonsmart]

@luiscraik , TestFlight review is a mystery, I’m not sure human eyes actually view those. Most of my TestFlights are approved instantly. More promising is they told you they taking extra time to review.

[lwangeli]

Hi there. I had 4 stickers apps rejected by apple, and they said that we need to recreate the entire app redesigning it to make it UNIQUE, otherwise they will reject it, and if we upload again they maybe will DISABLE Dev Account. Im having a hard work here because I never worked with XIB. and cant make it work if rewrite with storyboard.

[efhkapp]

Hi All, below is my testing:
I tried to relayout the whole App, added iMessage Sticker extension - rejected
I tried to create a new app follow the instruction in "Advanced Development" section, with totally different layout, added iMessage too - submitted 2 apps, 1 rejected, 1 still waiting for review (but seems no green light as well)

It seems any packages including the Whatsapp Stickers swift files will then get rejected, no matter on which layout or UI. I am still trying, will keep update.

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik The TestFlight beta testing is not done by a human. That's why it's fast.

My app is in review since 10 hours now. Let's see what they say.

[gbougakov]

@Danny182 No, humans are involved

[gbougakov]

Does anyone have an example of an approved "container app" for iMessage stickers? My WhatsApp sticker app got rejected with a reference to the existing iMessage sticker apps being spam (4.3 guideline). So I first need to consolidate the existing iMessage sticker apps, but not sure how this can be done (if there is an API which works differently from the sticker extension implementation). Thanks

Well, I got away with the standard template + iMessage Sticker Pack Extension

[efhkapp]

I tried to create a new app follow the instruction in "Advanced Development" section, with totally different layout, added iMessage too - submitted 2 apps, 1 rejected, _1 still waiting for review_ (but seems no green light as well)

Finally it gets approved by Apple!

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik is your app still in review?
Mine is in review since 40h, I’m afraid it will be stuck there for weeks 😟

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 still no news from Apple. Expect at least 4 days. That’s what I went through for the first review.

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik it never took more than 6hours for me.
From the Firebase data I see that they didn’t test the app since it went back in “in review”. Strange

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 Wish it was for me that short, but based on devs feedback, the current review time is 3 days, who knows what’s going inside the App Store Review center ¯_(ツ)_/¯

[DanielZanchi]

@luicraik 3-4 days since they submit the app, but once it’s in “in review” status it doesn’t take very long usually (2-4 hours). Now it’s days and it’s strange

[gbougakov]

@luicraik 3-4 days since they submit the app, but once it’s in “in review” status it doesn’t take very long usually (2-4 hours). Now it’s days and it’s strange

For me it was 8 hours In Review (then rejected) and then 15 minutes in Review (then approved)

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 For sure! Mine as they told me is “in review” (after my appeal), but its status on the app center is “rejected”, pure red. They told me to wait a bit more, now it’s more than 24hs since, with zero changes/feedback/update, I hope they haven’t forgotten me 😥

[luiscraik]

@gbougakov I thought it would be the same, but not at all. I submitted, waited 4 days, got rejected. I instantly appealed, got feedback 24hours later. It’s been an extra 24h since last message. 6 days and counting since day 1. I am hoping for the best.

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik
I submitted mine -> went in review after 2.5 days -> after one hour got rejected -> I replied in issue center -> after one day it went back in review (yellow flag) -> no news since 2 days now
Did the reviewer forget about it ?

[tetyanab]

@cartoonsmart thanks, so is there a way of making a single app with multiple sticker packs for iMessage in one? As I understand, extension doesn't allow implementing several different sticker packs in a single app (say 50 sticker packs of 30 images each)? So I'm trying to find a way how a "container app" can be implemented for multiple existing iMessage sticker apps. Apple aren't giving any examples or guidelines.

@gbougakov do you have more than one iMessage sticker packs which got approved recently?

[gbougakov]

@tetyanab quite a few, actually

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 Mine as they told me is in review process with an aditional time required. However, it’s still in rejection status. Nothing has changed since first rejection. All I can do is wait.

[sanestani]

@efhkapp wich is your app? Congrats!

[cartoonsmart]

@tetyanab Once you move away from the simple StickerPack extension (that drag and drop template that comes with Xcode), the sky's the limit in terms of containing multiple packs in one app. You just have to code it.

[b6a7]

@efhkapp did you still has WhatsApp swift files? or what you've did to get it approved ?

[kzka90]

People who got approved. Did you literally started the app from ZERO? Or modified the sample app?

[DanielZanchi]

@kzka90 NO! A lot of them only changed the PNG inside and their app is on the store. I changed almost everything and it's still in review. 😟

[usman-whizpool]

Any proper solution to get green signal for app...? Any one from WhatsApp team?

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 Did you finally get approve? Mine is still "in review" since yesterday.

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik still stuck in review. No news from apple. 4 days now in that situation

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 Wow, it seems like I am going to join you on the waiting list.

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik I’m afraid it will remain in this status for weeks. We’ll only lose the market and money. And they are not testing the app during this time, only waiting, don’t know for what!

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 I would wait just four days before I send a message, you know, just a reminder, I think is reasonable. Both Apple and devs have the right to know what’s going on. I hope they will get on a good track again.

[gbougakov]

[b6a7]

@gbougakov hey should we remove whatsapp swift files ?

[gbougakov]

No. You should not

Sent from my iPhone

On 30 Nov 2018, at 14:50, b6a7 [e-mail] wrote:

@gbougakov hey should we remove whatsapp swift files ?

—
You are receiving this because you were mentioned.
Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or mute the thread.

[b6a7]

@gbougakov i have app that still uses this files .. redesigned UI .. 4 times rejected .. and it is sticker designer app not even stickers packs ! and already appealed 2 times!
what should i do ?!

[gbougakov]

@gbougakov i have app that still uses this files .. redesigned UI .. 4 times rejected .. and it is sticker designer app not even stickers packs ! and already appealed 2 times!
what should i do ?!

Please read the top post!!!

[b6a7]

@gbougakov yes i did !
So i have to wait whatsapp / apple discussion?

[gbougakov]

@gbougakov yes i did !
So i have to wait whatsapp / apple discussion?

Yes. Indeed

[sanestani]

Again, my app was rejected. I include the iMessage feature, but nothing changes. They send to me this, and now telling me that I can make it like a web application: https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/AppleApplications/Reference/SafariWebContent/ConfiguringWebApplications/ConfiguringWebApplications.html

Guideline 4.3 - Design

We noticed that your app provides the same feature set as other apps submitted to the App Store; it simply varies in content or language, which is considered a form of spam.

The next submission of this app may require a longer review time, and this app will not be eligible for an expedited review until this issue is resolved.

Next Steps

• Review the Design section of the App Store Review Guidelines.
• Ensure your app is compliant with all sections of the App Store Review Guidelines and the Terms & Conditions of the Apple Developer Program.
• Once your app is fully compliant, resubmit your app for review.

When creating multiple apps where content is the only varying element, you should offer a single app to deliver differing content to customers. If you would like to offer this content for purchase, it would be appropriate to use the in-app purchase API.

Alternatively, you may consider creating a web app, which looks and behaves similar to a native app when the customer adds it to their Home screen. Refer to the Configuring Web Applications section of the Safari Web Content Guide for more information.

Submitting apps designed to mislead or harm customers or evade the review process may result in the termination of your Apple Developer Program account. Review the Terms & Conditions of the Apple Developer Program to learn more about our policies regarding termination.

If you believe your app is compliant with the App Store Review Guidelines, you may submit an appeal. Alternatively, you may provide additional details about your app by replying directly to this message.

[DanielZanchi]

@sanestani We all got the same message 😟

[luiscraik]

@sanestani I hope I am wrong, but I am afraid that offering you doing a web app will be the new approach against Whatsapp sticker apps. It's really weird they've been spending a lot of time reviewing our simple apps. I love Apple, but how they've been handled all this feels really odd.

I am not giving up though. I am still waiting.

[b6a7]

@luiscraik we all love apple .. but really am rethinking of this kind of love ..
my first submission was on 16 Nov !! still waiting and trying

[luiscraik]

@b6a7 wow, this shouldn’t be like this. They have plenty of resources to make it better and also make beginner like me more empowered to ride this journey.

[akaraca]

I re-submitted my app with iMessage stickers and got rejected again. I assume they won't accept it even I change the design.

Thank you for your resubmission.
Upon further review, we noticed the following issue:
Guideline 4.3 - Design

This app duplicates the content and functionality of other apps submitted by you or another developer to the App Store, which is considered a form of spam.

[sanestani]

Does anyone knows if doing a web app is possible? at this time, I only want to finish this problem

[kzka90]

Does anyone knows if doing a web app is possible? at this time, I only want to finish this problem

Check this thread https://github.com/WhatsApp/stickers/issues/278, I tried doing it but couldn't achieve it. My code is right there.

[efhkapp]

@efhkapp did you still has WhatsApp swift files? or what you've did to get it approved ?

@b6a7 yes, I started from zero, include the WhatsApp swift files and build a bridge file. (I reference to the procedure listed in "Advanced Development" in iOS readme in this git.

[gbougakov]

Guys, it’s not WhatsApp’s code, it’s Apple not wanting competition that’s causing the problem!

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik any news? I’m pretty sure we’ll wait for at least 20 days with this status and it’ll get “rejected” for same reason “spam 4.3”

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 Same here and I can’t wait 20 days. It’s just not fair. It’s obvious something out of the normal is going on.

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik wait and see, nothing to do about the wait. I tried to message them and they said “just wait, I don’t care if you loose market and money”....

[al3bsi]

For the third time, the App was rejected, why Apple?

[DanielZanchi]

@al3bsi how is the design of your app? Are you using the WhatsApp buttons ?! Layout?!

[al3bsi]

@al3bsi how is the design of your app? Are you using the WhatsApp buttons ?! Layout?!

yes , same whatsapp project . i just add backround pic

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik did you send apple a message?

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 Not yet, as I’ve been reading around, seems like I am going to get a “keep waiting” message back.

[luiscraik]

It’s now clear this is not about design or content, but about being what it simply is: a WhatsApp sticker app. So for them and their logic, there should be just one WhatsApp sticker app on the App Store and all of us in theory, should send our sticker content to that developer (or few owners with apps already on the App Store), so he/she should make our content available for the WhatsApp app itself. It doesn’t matter if your app takes photos, it’s a game, records voice, etc., if at one point it sends stickers to WhatsApp, it’ll be spam bcause there are a few on the App Store already doing that.
Good luck to you.
@Danny182

[DanielZanchi]

@luiscraik you are telling me that your app got rejected again? This is absurd

[luiscraik]

@Danny182 Yes!

[DanielZanchi]

I submitted a new version yesterday and it entered in review after two hours. I got to wait now.
Can I see the screen of your app?
(DM me on Twitter) @luiscraik

[usman-whizpool]

Dears .. Just FYI

I am just pleased to share with information with you this news ..

The supreme court in USA is hearing now a case of Consumers vs. Apple Store for alleged monopoly. Most likely Apple will lose and as a result other ios app stores will appear later (in a year or two) .. so Apple can not dictate their unrealistic rules :)

https://9to5mac.com/2018/11/26/apple-supreme-court-lawsuit-app-store/

[cartoonsmart]

An alternate app store probably won't be the end result of that case. And even if it is, Apple can make it extremely prohibitive for the common-folk to use it. For example....

[cartoonsmart]

A similar setting on iOS would read something like "Allow apps from alternate app stores (note: this will immediately void your Warranty and Apple Care)"

[sanestani]

I get rejected once again. Please, help me... =(

[cartoonsmart]

Mind posting an image of the stickers you are trying to get approved?

[sanestani]

All the stickers are photos taken by me

[cartoonsmart]

You don't see too many packs like this in the store. I know a few Trump head packs are in there, but those are the exception, not the rule. My hunch is that these are getting rejected for the content. Possibly too narrow of an audience (your Reviewer probably has no idea who that woman is). Maybe they don't believe you are the actual photographer. Or there might be an unwritten review guideline that just says something to the effect of "we don't want celebrity / political sticker packs that are nothing more than cutout photos". Third scenario I think is most likely. You'll notice celebrity packs that are featured in the store, rarely use actual photos. Usually animated cartoons.

[sanestani]

@cartoonsmart is that possible? The "unwritten guideline" that prohibes political stickers packs. Does anybody here more than @gbougakov get his stickers app approved?

[cartoonsmart]

No, I don't think its a political thing, my guess is its the cut-out photos. If you had drawn these, done some limited animations with each (thumbs up, blowing kisses, etc), I think you'd be well on your way to approval. Thats going to be very unique, and indicate you've spent significant time on each.

[luiscraik]

@cartoonsmart I don’t think that would be an easy way out (unless luck), mine had drawings I did based on a popular food dish in El Salvador (very narrow market) and they rejected it twince even after I explained them the uniqueness it represented and attached screenshots proving there was not similar app on the App Store. For me after dealing with them it’s clear, if your app is just a WhatsApp sticker app = spam. Unless it does a lot more than that. However, why would I develop a powerful app and at some point it would send stickers to WhatsApp when I can just add it to the App Store without WhatsApp stickers. Let’s say it how it is, it’s an odd strategy for keeping WhatsApp stickers apps away.

[luiscraik]

They selected a few apps (first uploads) already that are living on the App Store. If you do the same, it’s just spam even if you draw the content from scratch. They would love to take them down, but it will be too obvious. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

[cartoonsmart]

Yeah I agree. There's so many variables at play here. It could be the content, it could be the WhatApp integration. Could be Apple just wanting to trim down the store altogether. I doubt we will get a definite answer ever.

[luiscraik]

Yeah it’s really sad. I am just a beginner but I will keep learning, others won’t find this encouraging.

[cartoonsmart]

Yeah, there's a weird dichotomy with Apple regarding stuff like this. On one hand they are actively courting young developers. Every WWDC they show off some wiz kid that made an app at age like 9. And their Swift Playgrounds app is all about getting future devs learning young... But then if App Review's stance is "4.3 Spam! this has been done before, you can't also do it", where's that leave new developers just trying to get a foot in the store. Their first experience can't be total disapproval. No matter how bad your first app, every young developer needs their first "You did it, kid, we're taking you out to dinner" moment.

I think there's an easy solution here though. Apple should have two types of approval. App Store Approval and a second tier something akin to Personal-Store Approval. The second tier means the developer can send users to their app via direct site links, sell it, etc, but it's just not searchable in the main App Store. And maybe if the developer gets past a certain threshold of sales on their own, they can request inclusion in the wider App Store.

But hey, what do I know? Only been teaching developers for like 20 years.

[luiscraik]

@cartoonsmart 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Totally agree! What else can I say? You just said it all.

[b6a7]

hey guys .. my app finally got approved but i think there is a good reviewer and a bad lazy reviewer here is what I did :

• after i tried for 6 times and they always reject it with same reason (4.3) ,then i decided to update on of my very old apps i mean with same bundle id ,so may be this will do the magic trick !
• and yes it did and finally got approved ( aha moment )
• i forgot to add a few keywords so update is require and i did a quick update and nothing has changed to the code or UI and waiting for review.
• boom 4.3 design spam reject.
  really no other words
  my app is still on the app store thanks to the previous reviewer 👍

[luiscraik]

@b6a7 Congrats! Do you mind sending us your app's link?

[b6a7]

@luiscraik
Its in arabic language

https://apple.co/2G4B2Oh

[luiscraik]

@b6a7 Nice! I'll try to update the only app I have alive and change a lot more. Thanks for sharing!

[b6a7]

@luiscraik good luck 👍

[sanestani]

@b6a7 so the previous app was a different kind of app?

[b6a7]

@sanestani

Yes it was a photo editor app

[sanestani]

Oh... Im not a developer, just an amateur, I will have to find or a template or another way... Or I will have to learn how to develope

[mbpcosta]

Anyone got any luck? I've created another tab with other functions besides the stickers for whatsapp and for iMessage, but no luck :(
Got rejected for 4.3 SPAM and for 4.2 Minimum Functionality.

[wegylexy]

Standalone apps with only content changes won't be approved. Consider the App Store for iMessage. Build an iMessage stickers pack with a button to copy a WhatsApp stickers pack. https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1442201265

[wegylexy]

A standalone app like PasteCoder works though. But obviously you will get rejected if you copy mine. http://timtim.hk/wastickers.deprecated/

[DanielZanchi]

Now it's clear why:

Hello Daniel,

Thanks for your time on the phone today.

As we discussed, we found that your app’s primary purpose is to install sticker packs for WhatsApp apps designed to install sticker packs for WhatsApp.

If you believe that you have identified any apps that aren’t currently in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines, you may provide us with the app details, and we will investigate the issue. Note that we are unable to provide any status updates or other information regarding other developer’s apps on the App Store, and you will not be informed of the results of our investigation.

Please feel free to contact me at +1-** Monday through Friday between 7AM-3PM Pacific Standard Time if you need further clarification.

Best regards,

Erica
App Store Review

[cartoonsmart]

What prompted the phone call? Did you ask them to speak over the phone or did they call you?

[gbougakov]

Or did you use a TSI?

[DanielZanchi]

What’s TSI?
I had requested a phone call from the resolution center after mine got rejected

[gbougakov]

Technical Support Incident. You are given three or two (I don't remember) of them and they allow you to call an Apple engineer to help you with your app

[luiscraik]

Mine finally got approved, but as stated above, it has to do something different as main purpose. Started by building a random phrase generator and the sticker extension as secundary functionality, plus the UI is different.

[luiscraik]

Designed for a niche market in El Salvador: https://itunes.apple.com/sv/app/pupusa-m%C3%A1ster/id1446647602?l=en&mt=8

[b6a7]

@luiscraik congrats .. great design i like it
Thanks for sharing
Good luck with sales

[luiscraik]

@b6a7 Thank you! I hope so because I need to pay back the program membership 😥

[sanestani]

@Danny182 and your app finally get approved after that?
@luiscraik congrats, what do you change of the UI?

[cartoonsmart]

@Danny182 By the way, what's up with paragraph 2. You droppin' a dime to the fuzz =)

[luiscraik]

@sanestani I did my best: https://itunes.apple.com/sv/app/pupusa-m%C3%A1ster/id1446647602?l=en&mt=8

[cartoonsmart]

@b6a7 Thank you! I hope so because I need to pay back the program membership 😥

If you all want to make back your dev memberships quick, make a tvOS SpriteKit game. Retro style, pixel graphics, something similar to old-school Atari games. People eat that stuff up. I've got a Tank Battle game in the tvOS store that does quite well, and the graphics are super simple.

[sanestani]

@luiscraik , tenés algún contacto para consultarte algo?

[luiscraik]

@cartoonsmart 😯 I'll look into it, that's what my life needs now 🤣 Thanks for the advice! I need a friend like you 😅

[luiscraik]

@sanestani luiscraik.com 😊

[sanestani]

thanks, by mail then =)

[luiscraik]

@sanestani no problem!

[foma24]

@b6a7 Thank you! I hope so because I need to pay back the program membership 😥

If you all want to make back your dev memberships quick, make a tvOS SpriteKit game. Retro style, pixel graphics, something similar to old-school Atari games. People eat that stuff up. I've got a Tank Battle game in the tvOS store that does quite well, and the graphics are super simple.

Could you provide link to your game, please ?

[cartoonsmart]

Sure....

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tank-battle-2-player-classic-arcade-game/id1060111805?ls=1&mt=8

[cartoonsmart]

By the way, couple things that I think helps a lot is the "2 Player" text in the title and obviously thats in the meta tags too. And it supports external controllers. Which I've taught a lot of over at CartoonSmart.com

[cartoonsmart]

@sanestani luiscraik.com 😊

Your site is gorgeous!

[luiscraik]

@cartoonsmart Thank you and kudos to your work! Next level.

[DanielZanchi]

Now it's clear why:

Hello Daniel,

Thanks for your time on the phone today.
As we discussed, we found that your app’s primary purpose is to install sticker packs for WhatsApp apps designed to install sticker packs for WhatsApp.
If you believe that you have identified any apps that aren’t currently in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines, you may provide us with the app details, and we will investigate the issue. Note that we are unable to provide any status updates or other information regarding other developer’s apps on the App Store, and you will not be informed of the results of our investigation.
Please feel free to contact me at +1-** Monday through Friday between 7AM-3PM Pacific Standard Time if you need further clarification.
Best regards,
Erica
App Store Review

I would like to know what the Whatsapp Team thinks about this ^
@simonzhexu @amrit-1901

[va97]

So. Do we now have to make our hole new ui ?
Im just an amatuer and dont now how to code exacly.
As i read this thread. I have to build my owm hole app ?

[gbougakov]

Apple now just rejects everything WhatsApp sticker related. Just don’t do it, not worth your time (and money if you didn’t buy an Apple Developer Program membership yet)

————
George Bougakov
https://bygeorgenet.me

On 2 Jan 2019, at 23:46, va97 [e-mail] wrote:

So. Do we now have to make our hole new ui ?
Im just an amatuer and dont now how to code exacly.
As i read this thread. I have to build my owm hole app ?

—
You are receiving this because you were mentioned.
Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or mute the thread.

[va97]

Ok. Thank you for your respond.
So, whats next ? Is it the end of WhatsApp sticker for IOS ?
I published an android app just changed content for it and wanted to do the same in ios cause many of my friends using IOS.
Thats why im asking

[rmferreiro]

My app got rejected like everyone else's. It's clear Apple DOES NOT want any new WAStickers related apps in the App Store. The FAQ that the WA team provided is outdated since Apple doesn't care if you modify the UI or not, if the main feature of your app is providing stickers to WhatsApp they are going to reject it under 4.3 Spam. I tried to talk it out with my reviewer, just like OP did, I explained how it wasn't any different from an iMessage Sticker pack but it was in vain. It would be very helpful if someone told us more about that "talk" between the WA team and Apple

[luiscraik]

@rmferreiro The turn around all devs with approved apps have taken is not making your app’s main goal a WhatsApp sticker/exporter only, but having your app doing “x” different thing as main activity (creat something, edit something, generate content, game, etc.) and then, just then (with a different UI as a plus) adding the Whatsapp extension as a second option. Try that and you’ll have better chances. Good luck!

[hermanho]

@rmferreiro The turn around all devs with approved apps have taken is not making your app’s main goal a WhatsApp sticker/exporter only, but having your app doing “x” different thing as main activity (creat something, edit something, generate content, game, etc.) and then, just then (with a different UI as a plus) adding the Whatsapp extension as a second option. Try that and you’ll have better chances. Good luck!

This was proofed. One of the sticker platform is embedded the stickers installation in the non-related app (
https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/%E4%BA%94%E8%89%B2%E5%AD%B8%E5%80%89%E9%A0%A1-online/id382024751?mt=8). Here is an example:

https://whatsticker.online/p/1396719E6jjOu/HK

[amrit-1901]

Hi Everyone. We are discussing this issue with Apple and we need your app projects. If you think your app is unique and is not a copy and paste of the template app, please send it to me at [e-mail]. If your app does look similar, but you built it from scratch, send your project as well. Make sure to send EVERYTHING (code and assets) and that it builds and runs properly on the latest version of Xcode.

[usman-whizpool]

@amrit-1901 sent code over mentioned email.

[NikunjGodhani]

Guideline 4.3 - Design

We noticed that your app provides the same feature set as other apps submitted to the App Store; it simply varies in content or language, which is considered a form of spam.

The next submission of this app may require a longer review time, and this app will not be eligible for an expedited review until this issue is resolved.

How to Resolve this problem ? Help me.

[Zandor300]

How to Resolve this problem ? Help me.

@NikunjGodhani

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT iOS APPS

Apple will reject or remove your sticker app from the App Store if it uses the UI sample that WhatsApp provides. When creating an iOS sticker app, please make sure to develop a unique user interface with your own styling to comply with Apple's App Store guidelines. Do not use our sample app's UI as is, please significantly modify the UI before submitting. You should also consider adding additional functionality to your app (sharing stickers to other apps, to iMessage, etc) or any other features that you deem suitable. This will assist you in passing Apple's App Store review. We are still working on updating our full set of documentation and our FAQ to reflect this.

https://github.com/WhatsApp/stickers/tree/master/iOS#important-notice-about-ios-apps

[NikunjGodhani]

I am not using WhatsApp stickers app sample. I developed app with my Own idea and design still my app rejected due to above reason.

[Zandor300]

@NikunjGodhani Your app may not look like the sample app and should provide other major functionality. Your apps main function shouldn't be providing stickers for WhatsApp. If this last thing isn't the case, Apple will most likely reject your app, which is what happened.

[wegylexy]

@NikunjGodhani What idea other than showing images? Adding stickers to WhatsApp doesn't count because another guideline requires that an app must not rely on another app to function. Your app must work even when WhatsApp is not installed. e.g. https://shkpclubstickers.com

[diegotl]

After versions 1.0 and 1.1 approved, I got this trying to release 1.2:

I don’t know what to do next and I’m afraid they will remove my app from App Store. My app has stickers related to a famous meme in my country and no other app has them.

[Zandor300]

@diegotl Is your apps purpose only to provide stickers for WhatsApp, or does it also provide other functionality?

[diegotl]

@Zandor300 Only stickers for WhatsApp and iMessage (and export as images). But they approved 2 builds before this...

[Zandor300]

@diegotl Exporting the images isn't exactly a major feature I would say. Adding iMessage stickers doesn't count towards main app functionality since it's an extension of the app, meaning it only exists in iMessage and not in the main app.

What I mean by this, major functionality as in a navigation app, to which you add WhatsApp (+ iMessage) stickers.

Your current best bet at going through the review process is by having the WhatsApp stickers not be the main point of your app. If providing WhatsApp stickers is the main purpose of the app, you will most likely end up in this situation where Apple will give you a headache going through the review process, or not getting through at all.

Thats my personal advice for going forward with iOS apps containing sticker packs.

DISCLAIMER: Note that I am saying this from what I've been reading up on during moderation of the issue threads on this repo. I am not an employee of WhatsApp, nor have I personally been in contact with Apple regarding this matter. I AM NOT WRITING THIS ON BEHALF OF WHATSAPP NOR APPLE.

[diegotl]

@Zandor300 Thanks! What sounds weird for me it that they "changed their minds" just now. They should've rejected the app from the begining based on that guideline.

I plan on implementing a feature to create your own stickers within the app, but I wonder if this fulfils that guideline.

[nApps4UI]

How many of you have "WhatsApp" in the title or subtitle? I have opened #479 for this

[JonnyBurger]

In order to solve the problem of everyone having to submit their own app to the App Store, I have made an app and website called AnySticker: https://anysticker.app/publish

On the website, you can drag and drop stickers and scan a QR code to import them into WhatsApp in just a few minutes. It's already live on iOS and Android.

You can also publish your sticker pack ad-free and get a short link like anysticker.app/my-pack that you can share with anyone, without ads. It's not free, but much cheaper than the fees you would have to pay to Apple.

[Kida007]

Anysticker is the ultimate solution !

[peterdk]

Any info from the WhatsApp team?

Are there people who recently got their sticker app approved? If so, what did you do?

We are hesitant to add WhatsApp support to our paid imessage sticker app (for a high profile webcomic), because of the horror stories regarding deletion. But many users want it.

[dnhyde]

Please any news on this, same issue here I understand that Apple has its own messaging app, but there is NO OTHER way than creating a dedicated app to share stickers on Whatsapp.
We even added a feature to create your own stickers with CoreML, so if you think that adding features will solve Apple ban it's useless...

[maplexmovie]

Any news on that? My app is very successful on android and my fans are constantly requesting me to upload the app for ios users (Apple/iPhone) as well.

@simonzhexu ?

[wegylexy]

It's not good that WhatsApp is exploiting the clipboard for this functionality when iOS 14 catches TikTok spying on the user.

[MarsVard]

@wegylexy how do you know WhatsApp is abusing the clipboard for stickers?

[wegylexy]

Anyway, if you only aim at publishing stickers, publish them to existing sticker stores. Don't make an app solely for installing a pack of stickers after which the app becomes useless.

[Tarekajaj]

@wegylexy can you link some of the "Sticker Stores"? we tried to release our own sticker store and still got rejected.

Don't make an app solely for installing a pack of stickers after which the app becomes useless.

• Some artists are already making $10K per month from ads and iap by constantly releasing stickers packs through their application.

There is no justified reason for this ban, it's really just pure money for apple and they decided they don't want it. shame

[al3bsi]

what about sticker with admin backend website ? rejected it too ?

[Tarekajaj]

Oh, one more thing, we decided to build an iOS version of our texticker application and try our luck with the appstore, since it allows you to generate text stickers easily, we though it would have a chance (its not a one time use and it was very successful on the playstore), the first version we release was for iMessage only, it got accepted and all good, we added support for whatsapp and submitted an update, and guess what, it got rejected, and after a while it was removed from the appstore with no luck getting it approved ever since.

[Tarekajaj]

what about sticker with admin backend website ? rejected it too ?

Nah, don't even bother bro

[al3bsi]

is there away to add send to iMessage bouttn on wasticker ? maybe apple proved it :)

[Tarekajaj]

is there away to add send to iMessage bouttn on wasticker ? maybe apple proved it :)

As I said before, our iMessage sticker app got removed after we added whatsapp functionality to it

[al3bsi]

is there away to add send to iMessage bouttn on wasticker ? maybe apple proved it :)

As I said before, our iMessage sticker app got removed after we added whatsapp functionality to it

can please share you playstore app link ? or removed too ?

[wegylexy]

https://timtim.hk/wastickers/ and https://shkpclubstickers.com/ use PasteCoder
https://whatsticker.online/ uses 五色學倉頡 ONLINE
Basically, we use apps which their primary purpose is not an one-off copy of stickers and to pollute the App Store.

Otherwise, publish an iMessage-only app like 譚仔三哥表情貼紙 that does not pollute the home screen.

[al3bsi]

https://timtim.hk/wastickers/ and https://shkpclubstickers.com/ use PasteCoder
https://whatsticker.online/ uses 五色學倉頡 ONLINE
Basically, we use apps which their primary purpose is not an one-off copy of stickers and to pollute the App Store.

Otherwise, publish an iMessage-only app like 譚仔三哥表情貼紙 that does not pollute the home screen.

is there anyway to buy or share source cod this apps ?
thank you

[JonnyBurger]

@MarsVard We can see that WhatsApp is using Clipboard because when you add a sticker pack in iOS 14, a banner appears at the top of "WhatsApp pasted from [app name]"

I can also add my app https://anysticker.app to the list of sticker stores. Currently allowing free publishing and I am also working on an App Clip for iOS 14, so you can distribute the stickers without having to install an app at all.

[wegylexy]

is there anyway to buy or share source cod this apps ?

@al3bsi Do you get that the idea is to make no more apps just for stickers?
You could publish your sticker pack to your website and let users open the link with PasteCoder which will download it to the iOS built-in Pasteboard ready for WhatsApp to install.

WhatsApp's sample code demonstrate how you could send a sticker pack to WhatsApp. You could add that to your existing apps, but they do not suggest you to pollute the App Store with an one-off app that violates Apple's policy.

[chuiizeet]

@al3bsi They rejected my app (download + create stickers) this sucks, I will take advantage of the backend to do it on android

[amrit-1901]

Hi all,

It's been a while since I have posted here, but I'm doing so now to make sure that we are all on the same page. Last time I said that we are working with Apple to resolve this situation: this is not happening anymore. So don't expect the App Store Review team to mellow out anytime soon.

I'm really sorry that iOS third party apps ended up the way they did, especially since a lot of you guys are clearly very excited to ship your stickers to iOS users (and some of you even wanted to build a business model around them). In the meantime, we unfortunately have nothing else to announce, but stay tuned when we do in the future.